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Why install solar thermal (hot water)
To help answer the question, why install Solar Hot Water it will help by explaining how the system works.
The main components of a solar hot water system are the collector, pump station, controls and hot water tank.
Solar collector - The solar collector takes energy from the sun to heat a fluid which is, depending on the system, either water or a water-antifreeze solution . This heated fluid is then used to transfer the captured heat to the tank. Solar hot water systems need a suitable location for the collector. The location of the installation, available space for the collector, orientation to South, roof pitch and shading are some of the factors that influence the system output.
Pump Station - The pump station circulates the fluid and provides safety devices.
Controls - Provide functional control over the system.
Tank - Stores the hot water. Note: To use a solar hot water system a tank must be included in the design.
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So why install solar hot water?
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A suitable designed system has the potential to provide 40 to 60% of the hot water heating over a year; during the summer it may provide 100%.
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Heating hot water using sunlight produces very little CO . The pump and control system require electricity to operate.
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Providing the electricity to operate the pump and controls from renewables such as PV further reduces the carbon footprint of the system.
What we offer
We offer a complete package of services for the design and installation of solar thermal (hot water) systems. We are able to fit on-roof, integrated and ground mounted collectors.
Grant schemes
Currently there are no grants specifically aimed at solar thermal.
Solar thermal is eligible for Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) payments. The Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) is a government scheme that provides payments for the generation of heat from several different renewable energy sources. It was introduced in November 2011 to replace the Low Carbon Building Program in encouraging more people to invest in renewable forms of heating. It is due to close for new applications on 31 March 2022.
Please see the following Government website for further details and RHI calculator:
https://www.gov.uk/renewable-heat-incentive-calculator
The following use the 'Heat Incentive Calculator' to estimate the RHI payments. The details of the property are:
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3 occupants
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South facing roof
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40 degree pitch
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No shading of roof
RHI payment estimate is an annual payment of £240, payment of £1,680 over 7 years, Payment tariff of 21.49 pence/kWh
Note: Changes to the RHI tariff will affect the projected RHI payment.